A PRAYER TO START
This section of Psalm 119 has been re-phrased to be a prayer of both petition and confession. Pray it 3xs…
Father, by your words I can see where I am going. Your Story bursts forth like a cascading light upon my darkened path. I have committed myself and will never turn back from living by your righteous way. It seems like everything is falling apart for me. Father, put me back together again with your Word. Let your Word surround me and flow from me, and teach me all your ways. You have given me my life as my own, yet I will choose not to forget your words and your way. The wicked have done their best to throw me off your path, but I will not stray one step from your way. I inherited your book on living; it’s mine forever—what a gift! How joyously satisfied your Word makes me! Again, I commit to doing all of what you say. I have and will always. Amen.
TAKING A LOOK AHEAD
On any journey, whether a hike in the mountains or a trek to the grocery store, it is important to be aware of your surroundings, to be present. It’s also important to know where you are going! To look up, and take a peek at what is ahead.
This week as our expedition is only just beginning, we will be looking at the inauguration of Jesus’ life and ministry. Read Matthew 1-4, it should only take about 10 minutes to get through. As you are reading take notice and note of the following:
Who are the characters in the story?
Where does the story take place?
What repeats? Words, characters, actions/events, sayings, descriptions, etc.
What surprised you?
What might have surprised the people Matthew was writing to?
What questions does the story raise so far?
CONNECTING THE DOTS
Matthew is telling a story in a particular way. He is retelling the stories of Jesus for the purpose of praising the honor of his life and death. To possess honor, one must demonstrate a worth or value that is communally affirmed. What in the introduction of Jesus demonstrates that he is indeed special, worthy of the greatest good of his day called honor?
Matthew is not writing to simply honor Jesus, but to reveal that the life of Jesus (his words and deeds) and the death of Jesus were themselves honorable. Such a gospel is necessary precisely because much of what Jesus did and sad, including how he died, was not socially acceptable! What in the introduction of Jesus seems counter intuitive (to either you or the first readers)?
Take a look at his family history in chapter 1 again. Do any of the names stand out? Why?
What about who recognizes and worships Jesus as a child, and who does not in chapter 2. Does anything seem a bit out of order?
Look back over his baptism again in chapter 3. Does his interaction with John give any indication of the kind of life Jesus would lead?
What about Jesus’ calling of the disciples in chapter 4. Does anything about what and who they leave seem fishy?
One phrase that is repeated 8xs in the first four chapters is “fulfilled” (also “written by”). The word can mean, “to put into effect” or “to meet the expectations of”. What does Jesus’ birth and ministry put into effect? What, and whose, expectations will he meet?
A THOUGHT TO PONDER
How does a life of faith stay fresh?
Be one who is devoted to discovery.